Introduction
Optibet 0.25% is a medicine used to treat elevated intraocular pressure (high pressure inside the eye) in people with ocular hypertension and certain types of glaucoma. It lowers the pressure in the eye by decreasing the production of fluid and reduces the risk of vision loss.
Always wash your hands before using Optibet 0.25%. Use only the number of drops that your doctor has prescribed and wait for about five minutes between each drop. If you wear soft contact lenses, remove them before using the drops and wait for at least 15 minutes before putting them back in. If you are also using another eye medicine, wait for at least 10 minutes before using it. Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine for a full guide on how to use the drops and get the most benefit. Do not touch the tip of the dropper or bottle. This may lead to infection. You should use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit and it is best done at the same time(s) each day. If you want to stop using it, consult your doctor first.
The most common side effects are blurred vision, irritation or pain in the eye, watery eyes and headache. There are other, less common, side effects affecting other parts of the body, some of which may be serious as Optibet 0.25% is absorbed into the systemic circulation. Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine and consult your doctor if you are bothered by any side effects.
You should not use this medicine if you have asthma, severe COPD or a serious heart condition. Inform your doctor if you have, or have had, coronary heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, breathing problems, an overactive thyroid gland or liver or kidney disease. It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby but tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Optibet 0.25% should not be used if you are breastfeeding.
Uses of Optibet 0.25%
- Ocular hypertension
- Glaucoma
Side effects of Optibet 0.25%
Common
- Eye discomfort
- Headache
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
How to use Optibet 0.25%
This medicine is for external use only. Take it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Hold the dropper close to the eye without touching it. Gently squeeze the dropper and place the medicine inside the lower eyelid. Wipe off extra liquid.
How Optibet 0.25% works
Optibet 0.25% is a beta blocker. It works by decreasing the production of aqueous humour (fluid in the eye), thereby lowering the increased eye pressure.
Indication
Glaucoma, Ocular hypertension
Adult Dose
Ophthalmic
Open-angle glaucoma
Adult: Instil 1 drop of 0.25% solution bid.
Ocular hypertension
Adult: Instil 1 drop of 0.25% solution bid.
Child Dose
Ophthalmic
Open-angle glaucoma
Child: Instil 1 drop of 0.25% solution bid.
Ocular hypertension
Child: Instil 1 drop of 0.25% solution bid.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity. Sinus bradycardia, cardiogenic shock, overt cardiac failure. Pregnancy .
Mode of Action
Betaxolol is a cardioselective Beta-blocker which has greater affinity for ?1-receptors and has little or no effect on ?2-receptors. It lacks intrinsic sympathomimetic but has little membrane-stabilising activity. It also causes the reduction of intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of aqueous humour.
Precaution
DM, renal or hepatic impairment. May mask signs of hypoglycemia & hyperthyroidism. Gradual withdrawal is recommended. Children. Lactation.
Side Effect
>10%
Ocular effects
Short term discomfort (<25%)
Frequency Not Defined
Ocular
Blurred vision,Corneal punctate keratitis,Itching and/or foreign body sensation erythema,Inflammation,Ocular pain and/or discharge,Ocular drynes,Photophobia
Systemic
Bradycardia, congestive heart failure, heart block,Depression, dizziness, headache, insomnia, lethargy, vertigo,Hair loss, hives, toxic epidermal necrolysis
Glossitis,Bronchospasm, dyspnea,Increase in signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Interaction
Increased risk of bradycardia w/ digitalis glycosides. May cause mydriasis w/ epinephrine. Potential additive effect w/ oral Ca channel blockers, ?-adrenergic blockers, antiarrhythmics (including amiodarone), parasympathomimetics, guanethidine. Increased risk of myocardial depression and hypotension w/ peripheral muscle relaxants (e.g. tubocurarine).